{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-661.03","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 7-661.03","heading":"Responsibilities of the attending physician.","body":"(a)\nUpon receiving a written request for a covered medication pursuant to § 7-661.02(a)(2), the attending physician shall:\n(1)\nDetermine that the patient:\n(A)\nHas a terminal disease;\n(B)\nIs capable;\n(C)\nHas made the request voluntarily; and\n(D)\nIs a resident of the District of Columbia;\n(2)\nInform the patient of:\n(A)\nHis or her medical diagnosis;\n(B)\nHis or her prognosis;\n(C)\nThe potential risks associated with taking a covered medication;\n(D)\nThe probable result of taking a covered medication; and\n(E)\nThe feasible alternatives to taking a covered medication, including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control;\n(3)\nRefer the patient to a consulting physician;\n(4)\nRefer the patient to counseling if appropriate, pursuant to § 7-661.04;\n(5)\nInform the patient of the availability of supportive counseling to address the range of possible psychological and emotional stress involved with the end stages of life;\n(6)\nRecommend that the patient notify next of kin, friends, and spiritual advisor, if applicable, of his or her decision to request a covered medication;\n(7)\nCounsel the patient about the importance of having another person present when the patient takes a covered medication and of not taking a covered medication in a public place;\n(8)\nInform the patient that he or she has an opportunity to rescind a request for a covered medication at any time and in any manner;\n(9)\nVerify, immediately before writing the prescription for a covered medication, that the patient is making an informed decision; and\n(10)\nFulfill the medical record documentation requirements of § 7-661.06.\n\n(b)\nIf a consulting physician receives a referral for a patient from an attending physician pursuant to subsection (a)(3) of this section, the consulting physician shall:\n(1)\nExamine the patient and his or her relevant medical records to confirm, in writing, the attending physician's diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a terminal disease;\n(2)\nVerify, in writing, to the attending physician that the patient:\n(A)\nIs capable;\n(B)\nIs acting voluntarily; and\n(C)\nHas made an informed decision; and\n(3)\nRefer the patient to counseling if appropriate, pursuant to § 7-661.04.","path":["Title 7. Human Health Care and Safety.","Chapter 6B. Physician Assisted Death."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/7-661.03","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"ab7f15e47da1f940c0b04672e62fef0f120564ff29183063269ccad31deca274","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-661.02","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-661.04"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}